Cenotaph

 

The Servants of India Society (SIS) was founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, along with G.K. Devadhar, A.V. Patwardhan, and N.A. Dravid, in Pune, India, on June 12, 1905. According to Gokhale, the Society's objectives were to train individuals who were willing to devote their lives to the country's cause in a religious spirit, for political education and agitation, and to promote the national interest of the Indian people through constitutional means. The members of the Society were considered as young missionaries of Indian nationalism. Several young Indian nationalists including V.S. Sreenivasa Sasthri, Hriday Nath Kunzru, and A.V. Thakkar enrolled as members of the Servants of India Society.

 

The SIS played a critical role in the Indian Independence movement, and its legacy continues to influence Indian politics and society today. 

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Mission and Objectives of the Servants of India Society

 

The organization believed that the key to India's progress and development lay in the education and empowerment of its citizens. The SIS aimed to create a cadre of young leaders who were committed to serving the people and working towards the greater good of the country.

 

The objectives of the SIS were to:

 

1.      Promote education: The SIS believed that education is the key to empowering the people of India. The organization worked to promote education at all levels and to ensure that all people had access to quality education.

2.     Encourage social service: The SIS believed that social service was an essential aspect of citizenship. The organization worked to encourage young people to engage in social service activities and to promote social justice and equality.

3.     Foster civic engagement: The SIS believed that civic engagement was essential for democracy and good governance. The organization worked to promote civic engagement and to encourage young people to participate in the democratic process.

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History of the Servants of India Society

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The Servants of India Society was founded in 1905 in Pune, Maharashtra, India, by Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Gokhale was a prominent Indian nationalist leader and member of the Indian National Congress. He believed that the key to India's independence lay in education and social reform. He founded the SIS to train young people in India to serve the nation by becoming selfless and dedicated servants of the people.

 

The SIS was initially founded as a small organization with only a few members. However, over time, it grew in size and influence, attracting many young people who were inspired by its mission. The organization was non-political and non-sectarian, and its members were committed to working for the greater good of the country.

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Impact on the Society

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                                              Gopal Krishna Gokhale with Mahatma Gandhi

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The Servants of India Society played a critical role in the Indian Independence movement. Many of its members went on to become prominent leaders in the movement, including MK Gandhi.  The organization's emphasis on education and social service helped to create a culture of service and selflessness in India.

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Mahatma Gandhi described Gopal Krishna Gokhale as "Gokhale was like the Ganges, one could have a refreshing bath in the holy river".

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Gandhi made the decision to establish the Sabarmati Ashram and communicated his plans to Gokhale. In response, Gokhale encouraged him by saying, "You should definitely proceed. You can rely on me to provide the necessary funds for the Ashram, which I will consider as my own." Thus, Gokhale was the one who initially provided the funds for the Sabarmati Ashram.

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The Servants of India Society (SIS) continues to be an active organization today, more than a century after its establishment. While some of its activities have evolved and changed over time, the SIS remains committed to its original mission of promoting education, social reform, and political freedom in India. 

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Here are some of the areas where the SIS is involved today:

 

1. Education: The SIS continues to support education in India, particularly for marginalized communities. It runs a number of schools and colleges, and also provides scholarships and other forms of financial assistance to students.

 

2.Rural Development: The SIS is actively involved in rural development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people living in rural areas. Its efforts in this area include promoting sustainable agriculture practices, providing clean drinking water, and improving sanitation facilities.

 

3. Health: The SIS has been involved in a number of healthcare initiatives in India, including setting up medical camps, providing healthcare facilities in rural areas, and working to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

 

4. Women's Rights: The SIS is also committed to women's rights and empowerment. It works to promote gender equality and to provide women with quality education. The society has also contributed in the abolition of discriminatory laws and practices, such as child marriage and widow remarriage, and fought for women's right to property and inheritance. 

 

5. Childcare Initiatives: The SIS has established orphanages and shelters for abandoned children, provided food, shelter, and education to them, and advocated for laws and policies to protect children's rights and well-being. They also work towards eliminating child labor, improving access to education, and addressing issues like child marriage and trafficking.

6. Disaster Relief: The SIS is involved in providing relief and assistance to people affected by natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and cyclones.

 

The work of the SIS today reflects its ongoing commitment to social reform and the betterment of the Indian people. While the specific areas of focus may have evolved over time, the organization remains an important force for change and progress in India.